FAI Technik, part of the FAI Aviation Group, has won the Innovation in Engineering category in the 2021 Middle East Aviation Awards for Project Pearl, the refurbishment of a pre-owned Bombardier Global Express. Aviation interior designer Tim Callies worked with the FAI team as lead architect.
The group’s Dubai, UAE-based managing director, Barbara Baumgartner, accepted the accolade at the awards’ gala evening. “Not only was it terrific to accept this award on behalf of our super-talented engineering team in Nuremberg [Germany], but it was wonderful to get back with friends and colleagues, celebrating a special evening, coinciding with the Dubai Airshow,” said Baumgartner, who is marking 20 years with FAI.
It is the third award for the FAI Group in 2021. In November 2021 the group received the Air Ambulance Company of the Year award from ITIJ magazine, repeating the accolade originally given in 2020. FAI was also awarded the Pandemic Response Special Award in recognition of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“At a time when pre-owned larger business jets are increasing in value – buoyed by demand as a result of the global pandemic – we are very pleased to have made such an investment and are delighted to be recognised in this prestigious Middle East Aviation Award,” said FAI chairman Siegfried Axtmann.
The Project Pearl Global Express entered service in autumn 2020, the culmination of nearly 10,000 manhours‘ work. FAI reports it has been lauded around the world by guests flying on business and leisure. The Global has a luxurious new interior based on 12 VIP seats with two-tone grey leather and two three-seat sofas upholstered with Armani fabric. Heated, grey-white marble stone flooring was applied in the galley and VIP toilet areas and granite countertops in the galley and bathroom were appointed to match. The modern amenities installed included a wine cooler, barista coffeemaker and oven.
The interior is complemented by a customised exterior paint scheme in a black and white scheme, also designed by Callies. FAI selected cabin management and entertainment systems provided by Collins Aerospace’s newest Venue system, and Honeywell’s Ka-band broadband technology.
